Sept. 10, 2008

Tentative Agreement

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To the University Community:

I am very pleased to report that the negotiation teams for the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors and the University successfully reached a tentative agreement last night. I extend my appreciation on behalf of the entire University community to the two teams for their diligence, openness and hard work in reaching an agreement that recognizes the multiple roles played by our faculty in their commitment to outstanding teaching; excellence in research, scholarship and creative activity; and responsiveness to the many needs of the University, community, state and nation.

The official ratification of the agreement will require review and an affirmative vote by both the WMU-AAUP membership and the WMU Board of Trustees. This process will require some additional time, but I am confident that both bodies, following thoughtful review and analysis, will endorse the agreement. The AAUP bargaining team members have indicated they will recommend passage of the agreement to their membership, and I assure you that I, too, will recommend to the trustees that the agreement be approved.

As your president, I will continue to do my part in working to enhance the salaries of our faculty and staff. Our combined and collective efforts are paying dividends in many ways, not the least of which are an increase in our student enrollment, improvement in our national stature, and a promising future of growth and additional resources. This trajectory will require that we work together in an unwavering commitment to shared governance and responsibility. As we achieve continued success, the contributions of all members of our community must be acknowledged and rewarded.

I extend my thanks to our faculty, staff and students for “staying the course” as we worked through the final stages of the negotiation process. The outcome speaks volumes about the University and its ability to uphold the fundamental principles of civility in discourse and respect for our colleagues.

This is a great University and I am proud to be affiliated with its faculty, staff and students. Thank you for your support, counsel and continuing commitment to those we serve.

Best regards,

John M. Dunn
President